And when those returned sailors reached the fleet after dark, they found the ships' companies turned out as if to greet an admiral at least, coming to visit them, and as their launch was seen approaching from the shore the cheers of their brother tars made the hills of Cuba ring almost as had the thundering fire of Morro and Estrella when levelled against them nearly six weeks before.
The surrender of Santiago took place on the 18th of July. By that time there was a great deal of sickness among our troops, and our friends Harold and Herbert Travilla were kept very busy attending to the sick and wounded. So overworked were they, and so injuriously affected by the malarious climate, that both became ill; Herbert so much so that he could scarcely keep about, and his brother began to question whether it were not his duty to take or send him home, or farther north, to join their mother and a number of the relatives and connections who were spending the summer on the Hudson, or at some Northern seaside resort, which he was at liberty to do, as they were serving as volunteer surgeons, and without pay.
On the morning after the surrender Herbert found himself entirely unfit for duty, and on his account Harold felt much depressed as he went through the hospital examining and prescribing for his patients. Presently he heard a quick, manly step, then a familiar voice saying in cheery tones:
The young doctor turned quickly with the joyous exclamation:
"Why, Brother Levis! can it be possible that this is you?" holding out his hand in cordial greeting as he spoke.
"Not only possible, but an undeniable fact," returned Captain Raymond, with his pleasant smile, and giving the offered hand a warm, brotherly pressure.
"And you came in your yacht? Have some of the family come with you--my mother----"
"Oh, no!" returned the captain quickly; "at present it is much too warm for her--or any of our lady friends--in this locality. She and my family are at Crag Cottage, and by her request I have come to take you and Herbert aboard the _Dolphin_ and carry you to her. And I didn't come alone; your brothers Edward and Walter are with me, and your cousin Chester also."
"Oh, what delightful news!" exclaimed Harold, his eyes shining with joy. "And your yacht is here?"